Spain has decided to extend the service life of its F/A-18 Hornet and AV-8B Harrier II fleets into the 2030s, postponing a near-term replacement with fifth-generation aircraft and maintaining flexibility as the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program remains uncertain. The Spanish government will keep around 60 F/A-18s in service until approximately 2040, significantly beyond earlier plans to retire the type around 2030. The navy’s EAV-8B Harrier II fleet will also remain in service until at least 2032. The longer-term plan centers on the FCAS program, which Spain joined alongside France and Germany in 2019. By extending its existing fleets and avoiding an immediate commitment to imported fifth-generation fighters, Spain is maintaining operational continuity while preserving options for future procurement.

Source: Ethiopian News March 24, 2026 11:25 UTC